Driving rain and chill winds would normally be a surefire way to keep me in on a Saturday night but the promise of a five-course gourmet meal with some excellent new vintage wines ensured that not even wild horses would stop me from venturing out.

We were making a return visit to Woody Nook at Woodcote. Once again, we were warmly greeted by Michel and ushered to our table to join our host for the evening, Peter Bailey, who co-owns the charming restaurant with his wife Jane and from whose vineyard in Western Australia come the wines we were there to taste and be tempted by.

Introductions over it was then down to the real business of the evening: eating and drinking.

First came the mussels, sweetcorn and haddock chowder. I am a recent convert to fish and this again confirmed I was right to give it another try.

Served with a glass of the 2008 Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc the fresh, crisp, zesty taste just sparkled on my palate – yep, I wasn’t to be disappointed.

Marinated loin of roe deer with wild mushroom and beetroot salad followed accompanied by the honeyed tones of the 2007 Chenin Blanc.

The clean taste of the deer and the smoothness of the wine kissed each other on the way, again proving a perfect match.

On to the third course and, wine wise, it promised a Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.

Before even reading the wine notes, just swirling and sipping told me it was full of chocolate and blackcurrant – two of my favourite ingredients in anything.

For me, that wine was a 10, but don’t just take my word for it, people who know their wine think it’s a winner as well – it has picked up numerous medals including a silver at last month’s International Wine & Spirit Competition in London.

And what was to accompany this winner? An equally award worthy roasted grouse with haggis sausage, Cumberland sauce and braised chicory.

The rich flavours provided the perfect partner.

As the conversation flowed around the table – aided by the excellent wines – Peter began to wax lyrical about the new vintages. You can tell this a man whose work is his hobby and vice versa.

A platter of local cheese – another award winner in the form of Barkham Blue, nestled with Wigmore and Spenwood – was our next guest.

I have to confess this is always one of my most eagerly anticipated dishes with any meal.

A peppery Shiraz 2004 (also a gold medal winner in case you’re wondering) was the wine choice and described by one fellow diner as a “real man’s pipe and slippers wine”.

The delicious Nooky Delight port which just glides down your throat teamed up with the trio of seasonal desserts – poached pears in wine, apple crumble with vanilla ice cream and fig and fragipane delice – to round the evening off with a big warming hug.

Just what the doctor ordered before facing the wintry weather once more.

I can’t wait for my next visit, but please can the climate be more like the food and wine?

That’s warm, welcoming and so good you can’t wait for more.

And if you can’t get enough of the wines, then join the Woody Nook wine club and enjoy the vintages at your leisure.

For a sample menu of Woody Nook’s regular fare log on to its website, where you’ll also find information on its winery.